U.S. Condo Loans: Tougher Rules, Higher HOA Reserves | “Your dream home, guided by a local team you can trust.”

New US condo lending rules took effect on August 3, pushing lenders to scrutinize association finances, reserve funding, and maintenance more closely before approving purchases.
Associations now need larger repair reserves, rising from ~10% to ~15% of annual budgets, and many condos lost the simplified review shortcut.
Most condo deals now require a fuller project review unless waived, which means more project-level documents, while completed approvals can later remain in the system.
Buyers should prepare for slower, document-heavy approvals, possible denials, and higher HOA dues as some buildings face tougher conventional financing standards now.
Buyers should ask about reserve funding and full-review status; owners may see dues rise toward the Early-Q1 2027 target, and sellers should flag readiness early.